HC Deb 16 October 1968 vol 770 cc350-1
3 and 4. Mr. W. H. K. Baker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what consultations he has had with the Scottish National Farmers Union and other interested bodies following the report of the Reorganisation Commission for Eggs;

(2) if he will make a statement as a result of his consultations with interested bodies following the publication of the report by the Reorganisation Commission for Eggs.

15. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now make a statement on future arrangements for distribution of shell eggs; and on the reconstruction or abandonment of the Egg Marketing Board.

21. Mr. Blaker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to be able to announce Her Majesty's Government's decision about the recommendations in the report of the Rowland Wright Commission with regard to the marketing of eggs.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

I am not yet in a position to make a statement. My colleagues and I have received comments on the report from the three farmers' unions and other interested bodies in the United Kingdom and there have been meetings at their request with some of these bodies. We are giving urgent consideration to the recommendations of the Reorganisation Commission in the light of the views expressed.

Mr. Baker

Can the Minister give the House an assurance that when it comes to finalising any arrangements that may be come to the interests of the small producers in the outlying areas will be safeguarded, because such producers are very far from markets of great density?

Mr. Hughes

The interests of these producers are very much in my mind, and their position will be borne in mind.

Sir Clive Bossom

When will the Board cease to stamp eggs with the lion, because, as the Minister will agree, the lion is no longer helpful either to the producer or to the packing stations?

Mr. Hughes

This is only one of the recommendations in what is a very complex issue I gave it very careful consideration shortly after the Report came to my hands. It should not be considered in isolation from the many other complex features of the Report.